One Abbotsford athlete is taking her skills on the road, as she prepares to compete in the 2025 WBSC Americas Women's Pan American Championship as part of Team Canada.
Softball Canada recently announced its lineup for the Pan American Championship and Canada Cup, with a local name making the roster for both tournaments.
Abbotsford's Callum Pilgrim will once again be donning the Maple Leaf on the softball diamond, with the outfielder previously representing Canada at the 2024 WBSC Women's Softball World Cup and other international tournaments.
Now she'll be one of seven B.C. athletes heading down to Colombia for the Pan American Championship, which involves teams from North America, South America, and Central America.
The top finishers will qualify for the 2026 WBSC Women's World Cup Group Stage, and the Canadians are hoping for a top-tier performance following last year's bronze medal win at the World Cup.
Team Canada's opening match takes place on June 27, with games wrapping up on July 4.
Only a few days later, these athletes will have to be back in Canada for the beginning of the 2025 Canada Cup tournament in Surrey, B.C.
Pilgrim will also be a part of Team Canada for this tournament, which includes female softball teams from all across the world.
Taking place at Softball City, this annual tournament includes more than 1,500 athletes and thousands of spectators. Team Canada will be defending its title after winning last year's Canada Cup.
The Canadians first see Canada Cup action on Tuesday, July 8, facing off against New Zealand at 6 p.m., followed by Ukraine at 8:30 p.m. that same night.
Pilgrim is one of 13 players returning from last year's championship team, with head coach Kaleigh Rafter leading Team Canada for both the Pan American Championship and Canada Cup.
Rafter explained that these athletes have demonstrated a lot of skill and dedication to earn these roster spots, and she hopes to lead them to some big wins in the next few weeks.
"This group of athletes has been training hard throughout the off-season, and we were extremely pleased with the level of competitiveness and talent shown at this year’s selection camp," Rafter said.
"It was not only the largest camp we’ve held, but also the deepest in terms of skill and depth. I’m excited to see this group represent Canada at the Pan American Championship in Colombia and on home soil at the Canada Cup."
Canada Cup matches take place from July 7 to 13, with a full schedule and tickets available at canadacup.com.
